Thomson takes to foiling in the Solent

by Emma McKinney on 13 May 2009
Record breaking yachtsman Alex Thomson has been making the most of HUGO BOSS being back in the water and enjoying some 'foiling' off his IMOCA Open 60 in the Solent.

Alex, always one for a challenge was thrilled to get out on the water and found the 'foiling' an exhilarating experience and was able to execute some complex moves thanks to the technology of the Carafino 'Hydrofoil' board, one of the most highly innovative designs available.

'The conditions were perfect with good breeze and sunshine adding to the feel good factor on the day. I haven't been 'foiling' before but I loved it. It's pretty extreme - at a certain speed the hull is lifted above the water and the craft skims along on the hydrofoils at great speeds. It's like snowboarding, just on water,' explained Alex.

Richard Thompson from Carafino UK was on board Hugo Boss with Alex last week and was hugely impressed with not only the Open 60, but also with Alex.

'What a guy! He has this tremendous confidence with the water you don't see very often and was straight up and gone first time. His level of fitness is staggering and served him well on the Hydrofoil, I really was blown away by his performance. Alex looked completely at ease and was in control all the time.'

After a turbulent end to 2008 Alex is now focusing on the next four years. Alex and HUGO BOSS will compete in this year's Rolex Fastnet Race in August and the double-handed Transat Jacque Vabres in November before focusing on the Barcelona World Race in 2010.

Before that though Alex is currently sailing HUGO BOSS to Monaco ready for the Monaco Grand Prix 21-24 May, as part of the Hugo Boss VIP hospitality programme.